Kalixlinjens museum

About the museum

The Kalixlinjen was a defence zone between the Torne River and the Kalix River, close to the Finnish border. Construction began during the Second World War, and it was dismantled in the 1990s after the end of the Cold War. Its purpose was to meet, delay and defeat a Soviet invasion from Finnish territory, with combat emplacements, shelters, mined roads and some artillery forts.

Kalixlinjens museum began to be built up in the late 1990s, when the Cold War was over and the defence line was being dismantled. The museum is run by a non-profit foundation with the aim of preserving military-historical interests around the Kalixlinjen. Operations have recently been taken over by a new owner, and the museum’s objects are being inventoried so that they can be presented better.

On the site at Marieberg there are buildings, vehicles and equipment used during the active life of the Kalixlinjen, for example off-road vehicles, lorries, guns, tracked carriers, trailers and a local revue stage that was set up during the readiness years (beredskapsåren). One barracks houses an exhibition about the Cold War with information, equipment, newspaper clippings and literature. Visitors may explore the vehicles at their own risk.

Highlights

• About sixty military vehicles outdoors that visitors may climb into
• Barracks with an exhibition on the Cold War
• Guns, tracked carriers and off-road vehicles from the Kalixlinjen era
• Period uniforms to try on and a readiness revue stage
• The outdoor exhibition is open around the clock

Permanent exhibitions

• Kalla kriget – Exhibition in a barracks on the Cold War, with information, equipment, newspaper clippings and literature.
• Fordon och kanoner utomhus – About sixty vehicles and pieces from the Kalixlinjen era, including off-road vehicles, lorries, howitzers, tracked carriers and a Saab 35 Draken aircraft.

Admission & discounts

The admission fee is paid by Swish; an information board is by the Cold War barracks. The fee goes in full to the museum’s operation, repairs and maintenance.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

Children and adults can climb into and try out the vehicles. There are period uniforms to try on and a revue stage to stand on.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in Marieberg, about two mil outside Kalix, between Bondersbyn and Kamlunge. From the E4, turn off at Åkroken towards Morjärv. At the four-way junction signposted Riverside inn, take the road into the forest.

Amenities & dining

Packed lunches may be brought; there are several places to sit and eat.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit